The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1887-10-07
GEMk ucLus hLRrRLLn.

GEMLUckUs EakRcBILn. Gen Gray, Thomas
G. Stewart, Pennsylvania; John Thacher,
Connecticut; James T. Stewart, Ohio; T.
Henry jerks, Rhode Island The annual
address of the commandments, which is
very long, was then presented.
The general began by sending greetings to the
people Of the Pacific coast for the hospitality
and cordial reception of last year. He sincerely
congratulated the order that they were PEP
mitted to gather in this great metropolis, AID
thanked the citizens OF St. Louis tor their gen.
erous welcome. He was pleased to announce
the evidence of permanent and healthy growth
OF the Grand Army OF the Republic and OF tne
strong love Of the order entertained by the loyal
people Of this country. That this may continue
he earnestly cautioned every member That ne
keep a watchful guard over himself when he
acts or speaks as q memb r. Of the q A. h, and
not unconsciously further schemes foreign to
the legitimate purposes of the organization.
Article 8. forbidding the use OF the ORGANIZATION
for partisan purposes had, SO far as he knew,
been strictly obeyed in letter and spirit. From
Adjutant General Gray's report he learned
that the total number OF membG-s borne
on the rolls of the order at the last national
encalnpment was 376, 495. The number TO
ported June 30. 1877, was 372,674; actual gain
In five years, 46,157. The increase OF members
in ninety days ending June 80, 1887, in good
standing, was 1876. In 1880 there were Co.
634 members. In the last i've quarters there
have been mustered into the Grand Army 81
355. There were reported june 30, 1887, In
good standing 326, 562: suspended, 26,220; by
deiinouent reports, 1882; total at last returns
borne upon the rolls, ~372,674-an increase IN
membership that must be gratifying to all mem
bers. The amount reported expended in charity
March, 1886, to March, 1881, inclusive Is S253,-
934.43. This money was discussed to 1870
comrades and their families, and 1898 others
were assisted, giving 26, 606 individuals
who had received benefits during the year. He
had established the provisional departments %
Idaho and Arizona. During the year death had
claimed LAC members. He selected for special
notice, John A. Logan, who in his life had man
Tested his love not only in words, but by active
manned, helpless veteran need an advocate, did
the Grand Army need q defender, his was the
first name that came TO the lips, and he was
never appealed to in vain. The patent for the
Grand Army badge had been duly transferred
and is now the property Of the order. The c9un-
Gil Of administration has invested 1000 OFT
surplus funds OF the order IN bonds Of the United
States.
MEMORIAL DAY
was more generally and appropriately observed
this year than ever before. This day, sacred to
the memory OF tho fallen defenders of the re-
pnbdc has become . most impressive and in
struOtive national holiday. A letter was re-
ceived by him from Joseph ~. Drexel Offering
in perpetuity the cottage on Mount acGregor IN
which Gen. U. S. Grant spent his last days, TO
the survivors of these gallant men who saved
the country; the only conditions being that the
cottage and surrounding GROUNDS oe heIa N
Army Of the Republic. the president Of the
Mount McGregOr Railway company and another
to be named DY the uOnOI- Oen. PaiTCnllu
recommended that IL be referred to Ii incoming
commander-in-chief with authority 20 accept
on satisfactory arrangements. In september
last. when the citizens Of Charleston, 3. O..
Were suffering from the effects OF q terrible
earthquake, the Grand Army Joined In the re-
lief. He. in company with Adjt Gen. Gray.
went TO the stricken city and called upon the
comrades to raise money for relief. Collections
were rapidly made, and $IO47 Was reported 70
national headquarters. IL was understood that
there was no immediate haste. and before the
colsections had gotten fairly under way the
r.s.er ~ Ghar1eaton telenranhed HEADQUARTERS
that no further relief would be required. Had
the needs Of Charleston required IL he felt
assured that 100000 could have beep
raised witnin another month Many posts had
simultaneously received the call Tor AID
and the order TO suspend operations. He rec
ommended the appointment at once Of q compe-
tent cnmrade TO write q history Of the organtza-
tion. and suggested that the general government
win include in the next decenntal census an
enumeration Of the soldiers of the late ware OF
the rebellion who may be living In 1890. Beliey-
ing that the practice OF knowing the natlonal head
quarters to the place where the c~ommander-in-
chief resides is BECOMING impracticable,ow1ng TO
-recommend that the national headquarters be
located at some central point, and that an as
aistant adjutant general be pull In charge.
IN THE MATES OF PENSIONS
IL has been an aim OF the order TO have congress
grant relief Of the pressing needs Of che COM
rades. The government has responded IN many
instance. Influence has been brought 20 bear
on stnte legislation, and state soldiers and or
phan homes and laws for temporary relief OF In
dirent soldiers and their families have been
r9rrnd For this work more than any other has
the Grand Array OF the Repnolic hved-thts